Jayden Creighton is an up and coming talented Australian Indie film maker working under his company Duckpond Productions. His latest short film Trespassers is a glimpse into a nightmarish sex trade/kidnapping organisation that a brother and sister unwittingly stumble upon when their car breaks down when they are on their way to visit their parents. Trespassers was shot on a shoestring budget and this realistic horror short is supported by a cast of talented actors.
Jayden Creighton is definitely a film maker to keep your eyes on for the future.
Welcome Jayden Creighton to the Australian Film Network Journal.
When did you realise that you wanted a career in film?
Jayden - I wanted a career in film as early as I can remember. When I was little I wanted to be a cop, but only because I liked cop movies. Then I wanted to be an author, but only because I thought that’s how movies got made. When I was old enough to know what a screenwriter and director was I shifted gears pretty quickly towards that territory.
What has been your biggest achievement so far?
Jayden - I think Trespassers has been my biggest achievement to date. It was my first foray into the festival circuit; but it picked up a number of selections, nominations and even a couple of wins. And it’s found a significantly bigger audience on YouTube then any of my earlier work which is really inspiring.
Can you tell us about your short film Trespassers?
Jayden - Sure. Trespassers is a short film about a brother and sister who stumble upon a crude sex trade organisation when their car breaks down enroute to visiting their parents. When I started the project, I was seeking to create a film that I would want to watch myself. I grew up on horror, so I’ve always wanted to pay homage to the films that inspired me; films with real, warm blooded, human antagonists. It’s rooted in real life, and that’s what makes it interesting (and scary) to me. Although it works as a standalone, it was designed as a proof of concept for a feature film, which we’d love to make if we can ever finance it.
What is your favourite Australian film?
Jayden - Wolf Creek. Either one. There’s a lot of that in Trespassers.
What other projects are you working on at the moment?
Jayden - I’m currently working on another short horror film called Kinks, about a wealthy couple who hires an escort to fulfill their darkest, wildest fantasies. It’s a little more provocative and experimental than Trespassers; but it kind of has an eighties, neon inspired aesthetic, which I think makes it really fun. There’s a teaser on our YouTube channel but you’ll hear more about it as it finishes post production.
Do you feel that there is enough support for Australian film maker’s by funding bodies such as Screen Australia etc?
Jayden - Not at my level. And not usually for genre film makers. If you’re lucky enough to already be established; or have established Australian actors like Bryan Brown or Sam Worthington at your disposal, then you might stand a chance. But the little guys have to grind.
What is your favourite genre of film?
Jayden - Horror is my favourite. The good ones combine elements from other genres such as drama, action, thriller and even comedy. And the bad ones are usually still pretty fun to watch.
What film has made the most impact on you in the last 2 years?
Jayden - Probably Midsommar. I keep telling myself I’m never going to watch it again, but I tell everybody else that they need to. On a surface level it just looks pretentious and boring, but Ari Aster really has a way of getting inside your head. It’s actually pretty genius.
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
Jayden - Ideally on a film set and not behind a cash register.
Any advice for Indie film makers?
Jayden - Nobody is going to give you money to fund your projects. So make content out of your own pocket. Persevere. Hone your skills. Build a good team. And hopefully someday someone will take notice.
If you could remake any film what would it be and why?
Jayden - Ooh. The Crow. Because it’s moody and dark and unique, and you could take it in so many exciting directions. Or The Warriors, because that’d be killer.
Who or what inspires you?
Jayden - All the special people in my life that I want to make proud.
Where can our readers find you?
Jayden - I usually work under my Duckpond Productions moniker. You can follow my work on www.facebook.com/duckpondproductions.tv or www.youtube.com/duckpondproductions
Thank you for your time Jayden.
Jayden - My pleasure, thank you for yours!
Comentarios